Let's celebrate local businesses on Small Business Saturday!

TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - This Saturday, October 22nd – take the time to say "thanks" to the many independent businesses that make Canada's communities unique. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) hosts Canada's Small Business Saturday to encourage consumers to shop at their local, small, independent businesses, and help entrepreneurs promote their businesses online.

"Small business Saturday is about honoring local, hard-working small business owners and showing support for the many small businesses that bring life to our communities," said Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB's Senior Vice-President of National Affairs and Partnerships. "Small, independent businesses are fundamental to a strong and growing economy. They employ more than 70 per cent of the private sector labour force and create the bulk of new jobs."

Looking to show your support? Visit the new and improved shopsmallbiz.ca website and search for the independent businesses in your community. You can also find out about events, leave reviews for individual businesses, and learn more about how small businesses are making a difference in your neighbourhood.

Independent business owners can get involved in Small Business Saturday by creating a profile for FREE on shopsmallbiz.ca that will allow them to showcase their business and offer deals to customers. They also have the ability to promote an event in their local community, and can get involved in social media through:

The Small Business Saturday initiative is brought to Canadians in partnership with Interac Association and Acxsys Corporation. "On Saturday, October 22nd, every Canadian can play a part in supporting local jobs and economic growth by shopping small," said Caroline Hubberstey, Head, External Affairs, Interac Association and Acxsys Corporation. "We encourage Canadians to visit the new shopsmallbiz.ca to find out more about how CFIB is connecting them to the hidden gems right in their own backyard," she added.

CFIB is Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region.

SOURCE Canadian Federation of Independent Business

For further information: To arrange an interview with Corinne Pohlmann, please contact Kiara Morrissey at 416-222-8022, 647-464-2814 or public.affairs@cfib.ca.